I got into the North Charleston Amtrak station at 5am, and after some cold, dark waiting caught a train down to the peninsula at 7am. I supposedly had to wait till 3pm to check into my hotel room, so I had some time to kill.
I walked from where I got off the bus (Meeting & Mary) to the Battery, passing many interesting-looking not-yet-open places, and a Starbucks. Upon arriving at the Battery I got to retrace some steps and refresh some memories. While there I sat with this view (kind of) of the Charleston Harbor:
(and there were some of these too)
I walked along the path to see where I would end up.
I passed more columns, but not near enough to rival D.C.,
and ended up here and sat with this view:
I finally went to Starbucks (of all places), still the only place open. I sat (some more) and read and waited. I used my nifty guidebook to find a place to eat—Jestine’s Kitchen—and at 11 (as soon as it opened) I went there. I was greeted with friendly service and treated myself to red rice, okra gumbo, and mashed potatoes (possibly the best I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a lot of potatoes (and I’m part Irish for what it’s worth)). I also had some sweet tea. And, although stuffed, I had to try the Coca-Cola cake, which was a moist, delicious, chocolatey delight.
I walked some more because sitting or walking seemed to be my options at this point. When I ended up back at my starting place (Meeting & Mary), I stopped by the Visitor’s Center and got some helpful brochures and bus maps.
I finally gave up on killing time and decided that, on a few hours of sleep this aimless wandering was pointless, so I would go to the hotel. I walked there down Spring Street, which I would come to know well and consider home during my brief stay. I walked into the hotel lobby at about 1pm, determined to sit and wait (and possibly sleep) if they would not let me check in yet. Luckily, they did, and I did. I went up, threw my stuff on the bed, took a picture or two:
then fell asleep for several hours. I decided to spend what was left of the day planning, instead of doing, and resting, instead of walking. I don’t regret this decision.